Content Copy Control Apparatus and Content Copy Control Method

ABSTRACT

High-quality digital content to which a copy control signal of “copy one generation” is added can be carried with a portable terminal. Original digital content in a recording device can be retained with the quality kept unchanged.  
     A picture record data control device  101   a  converts picture record data stored in a picture record data memory device  101   c  in format and writes the converted picture record data into a removable medium  102 . Then, the picture record data control device  101   a  updates output status information  24  in a picture record information table  101   b  into “outputted” so as to prohibit any operation to the picture record data. Further, when a removable medium  102  is newly inserted into a removable medium device  101   e , the picture record data control device  101   a  updates the output status information  24  in the picture record information table  101   b  that corresponds to picture record data deleted from the removable medium  102  so as to permit operation of the picture record data.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a content copy control apparatus and acontent copy control method used when digital content stored in arecording device is copied only once to a playback terminal, such as aremovable medium, and more particularly, to a content copy controlapparatus and a content copy control method for avoiding qualitydegradation of content when the content is copied with a formatconversion of the content.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, for protecting copyrights, a copy control signal for contenthas recently been added to digital content stored in a DVD or digitalcontent in digital television broadcasting, and the like. For example,digital copy control information is added to digital content of digitaltelevision broadcasting and includes a copy control attribute, such as“copy prohibited” which prohibits any copying, “copy one generation”which allows copying only once, and “copy free” which does not restrictcopying. Particularly, in the digital terrestrial/BS televisionbroadcasting, a copy control signal of “copy one generation” has beenadded to digital content since April 2004 in Japan. Further, in thedigital terrestrial/BS television broadcasting, a copy control isperformed with use of a control card called a B-CAS card (see theAssociation for Promotion of Digital Broadcasting, the Internet URL:http://www.d-pa.org/copyctr/index.html [searched on April 8, 2004] orhttp://www.d-pa.org/copyctr/ [searched on Apr. 12, 2005] (Non-patentDocument 1)). Further, for example, Japanese laid-open patentpublication No. 2003-263370 (Patent Document 1) discloses a program thatcan reliably prohibit, from multiple copying, information that isallowed to be copied only once (paragraphs 0033-0064, FIGS. 3-4).

Further, there have recently been products that convert recordedbroadcast programs of analog television broadcasting or content recordedin accordance with a Digital Video (DV) standard (content to be viewedwith a usual television receiver) into a high compression ratio formatso that the content can be viewed with a portable terminal. For example,content is converted into a high compression ratio format for smallerscreens by using MPEG4 or Windows Media Technology (WMT). This enablesto carry the content together with a playback terminal, such as aportable player, a PDA, a cellular phone, and the like. Further, theconverted content can be viewed or watched by such a playback terminal.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

Herein, it is assumed that a copy control signal of “copy onegeneration” is added to content of digital television broadcasting andsuch content data is recorded by using a recording device, such as a DVDrecorder or hard disk recorder and is viewed by the use of a playbackterminal, such as a portable player or a cellular phone. In this event,the following problems arise ever when the conditions of “copy onegeneration” are met or satisfied.

For example, when the recorded content in the recording device isconverted into a format for the portable terminal, such as MPEG4, and iscarried or conveyed together with the playback terminal, the recordeddata is written into the playback terminal in its format. In this case,the original recorded data is deleted from the recording device.Accordingly, when the same data (content) is to be viewed again with ausual television receiver or the like, then playing back or reproducingshould be made by the use of the data that is written into the playbackterminal and that has a low picture quality due to the conversion intothe format for portable terminals (a low resolution, a low frame rate,and the like).

In order to allow the data converted into a format for a portableterminal to be reusable with the original picture quality in a usualtelevision receiver, an inverse transform of the format should beperformed for a long period of time. Alternatively, the format for theportable terminal should be changed so as to be used in a usualtelevision receiver.

Further, if data recorded in a DVD recorder or a hard disk recorder isconfigured so that the data can be viewed directly with a playbackterminal without any format conversion, then the cost and size of theplayback terminal are increased, and a battery of a long life isindispensable.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide acontent copy control apparatus and a content copy control method whichallow high-quality digital content with a copy control signal of “copyone generation” to be carried with a portable terminal, and which canretain original digital content in a recording device with the qualitythereof kept.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

Specifically, a content copy control apparatus according to the presentinvention is for use in copying content to a portable removable mediumand is characterized by comprising content memory means for storingcontent table memory means for recording a content information table inwhich the content stored by the content memory means is associated withoutput status information indicating whether the content has beenoutputted to a removable medium; and content operation prohibition meansfor prohibiting operation to content outputted to the removable medium,among the content stored by the content memory means, based on thecontent information table recorded by the table memory means. Forexample, the operation to content means a user's command input tooutput, play back, edit, or move the content. Further, for example, theprohibition of operation means that the specified operation can not beperformed when it is determined that the content has been outputted toan external removable medium.

Further, the content copy control apparatus may comprise a recordingdevice for storing the picture record data and a playback terminal forplaying back the picture record data and may be used for copying picturerecord data as content to a portable removable medium. The recordingdevice includes table memory means for recording a picture recordinformation table in which the picture record data stored in therecording device is associated with output status information indicatingwhether the picture record data have been outputted to a removablemedium; picture record data prohibition means for prohibiting operationto picture record data outputted to the removable medium, among thepicture record data stored in the recording device, based on the picturerecord information table stored by the table memory means; formatconversion means for converting the picture record data in format; andpicture record data writing means for writing or deleting the picturerecord data converted in format by the format conversion means into theremovable medium. The playback terminal includes picture record datareading means for reading or deleting the picture record data from theremovable medium; playback/deletion command means for commandingplayback or deletion of the picture record data stored in the removablemedium; and playback means for playing back or outputting the picturerecord data stored in the removable medium in accordance with a commandfrom the playback/deletion command means.

Further, the content copy control apparatus may comprise deletion timeset means for setting time at which picture record data written in tothe removable medium are to be deleted. The playback/deletion commandmeans may command deletion of picture record data from the removablemedium after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since thepicture record data were written into the removable medium, inaccordance with the set time set by the deletion time set means. Thepicture record data prohibition means may update the output statusinformation in the picture record information table that corresponds tothe deleted picture record data into information indicating that thepicture record data have not been outputted, at the same time when theplayback/deletion command means deletes the picture record data, inaccordance with the set time set by the deletion time set means. Withsuch an arrangement, deletion of picture record data from the removablemedium after the output of the picture record data can be automated, sothat an input operation of a user can be simplified.

Further, the playback terminal may include deletion notification sendingmeans for sending deletion notification information indicating that thepicture record data have been deleted from the removable medium to therecording device. The picture record data prohibition means may updatethe output status information in the picture record information tablethat corresponds to the deleted picture record data into informationindicating that the picture record data has not been outputted, based onthe deletion notification information received from the playbackterminal. With such an arrangement, it is possible to notify a deletionoperation of picture record data written into the removable medium and aplayback request of original picture record data with use of thecommunication means, so that an input operation of a user can besimplified.

Further, the recording device may include picture record data outputmeans for outputting the picture record data converted in format by theformat conversion means to the playback terminal. The playback terminalmay include picture record data input means for inputting the picturerecord data outputted from the picture record data output means, andpicture record data memory means for storing the picture record datainputted by the picture record data input means. The table memory meansmay record a picture record information table in which the picturerecord data stored in the recording device is associated with outputstatus information indicating whether the picture record data has beenoutputted to the playback terminal. The picture record data prohibitionmeans may prohibit operation to picture record data outputted to theplayback terminal, among the picture record data stored in the recordingdevice, based on the picture record information table. Theplayback/deletion command means may command playback or deletion of thepicture record data stored in the picture record data memory means. Theplayback means may play back or output the picture record data stored inthe picture record data memory means in accordance with a command fromthe playback/deletion command means.

A content copy control method according to the present invention is usedfor copying content to a removable medium and is characterized bycomprising a step of storing content; and a step of prohibitingoperation to content outputted to a portable removable medium, among thestored content, based on a content information table in which the storedcontent is associated with output status information indicating whetherthe content has been outputted to the removable medium.

Further, the content copy control method may comprise a step in which arecording device for storing picture record data as content prohibitsoperation to picture record data outputted to a portable removablemedium, among the picture record data stored in the recording device,based on a picture record information table in which the stored picturerecord data is associated with output status information indicatingwhether the picture record data has been outputted to the removablemedium; a step in which the recording device converts the picture recorddata in format; a step in which the recording device writes or deletesthe picture record data converted in format into the removable medium; astep in which a playback terminal for playing back picture record datareads or deletes the picture record data from the removable medium; astep in which the playback terminal commands playback or deletion of thepicture record data stored in the removable medium; and a step in whichthe playback terminal plays back or outputs the picture record datastored in the removable medium.

Further, the content copy control method may comprise a step of settingtime at which picture record data written into the removable medium isto be deleted; a step in which the playback terminal deletes the picturerecord data from the removable medium after a predetermined period oftime has elapsed since the picture record data was written intoremovable medium, in accordance with the set time; and a step ofupdating the output status information in the picture record informationtable that corresponds to the deleted picture record data intoinformation indicating that the picture record data has not beenoutputted, at the same time when the picture record data is deleted, inaccordance with the set time. With such an arrangement, deletion ofpicture record data from the removable medium after the output of thepicture record data can be automated, so that an input operation of auser can be simplified.

Further, the content copy control method may comprise a step in whichthe playback terminal sends deletion notification information indicatingthat the picture record data has been deleted from the removable mediumto the recording device; and a step in which the recording deviceupdates the output status information in the picture record informationtable that corresponds to the deleted picture record data intoinformation indicating that the picture record data has not beenoutputted, based on the deletion notification information received fromthe playback terminal. With such an arrangement, it is possible tonotify a deletion operation of picture record data written into theremovable medium and a playback request of original picture record datawith use of the communication means, so that an input operation of auser can be simplified.

Further, the content copy control method may comprise a step in whichthe recording device prohibits operation to picture record dataoutputted to the playback terminal, of the picture record data stored inthe recording device, based on a picture record information table inwhich the picture record data stored in the recording device isassociated with output status information indicating whether the picturerecord data has been outputted to the playback terminal; a step in whichthe recording device outputs the picture record data converted in formatto the playback terminal; a step in which the playback terminal inputsthe picture record data outputted from the recording device; a step inwhich the playback terminal stores the inputted picture record data; astep in which the playback terminal commands playback or deletion of thestored picture record data; and a step in which the playback terminalplays back or outputs the stored picture record data.

The content copy control apparatus according to the present inventionmay comprise a recording device for storing the picture record data anda playback terminal for playing back the picture record data. Therecording device includes table memory means for recording a picturerecord information able in which the picture record data stored in therecording device is associated with output status information indicatingwhether the picture record data had been outputted, picture record dataprohibition means for prohibiting operation to picture record dataoutputted to the playback terminal, among the picture record data storedin the recording device, based on the picture record information tablestored by the table memory means. The playback terminal includes picturerecord data reading means for reading the picture record data from therecording device, playback/deletion command means for commandingplayback or deletion of the picture record data stored in the playbackterminal, and deleting means for deleting the picture record data fromthe playback terminal in response to a command representative of thedeletion from the playback/deletion command means.

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention enables to copy content into a portable removablemedium. Among stored content, prohibition is made about operatingcontent that is being outputted to an external removable medium or thelike. Accordingly, digital content with a copy control signal of “copyone generation” can be carried along with a portable terminal. Originaldigital content in a recording device can be retained with a highquality kept unchanged.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an arrangement of acontent copy control apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a picture recordinformation table 101 b;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of an output control process,which is performed by a picture record data control device 101 a whenpicture record data is to be outputted to a removable medium 102;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of a control process, which isperformed by the picture record data control device 101 a when aremovable medium 102 is newly inserted into a removable medium device101 e;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of a deletion control process,which is performed by the picture record data control device 101 a whenpicture record data stored in the removable medium 102 are to bedeleted;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another example of the arrangement ofthe content copy control apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing still another example of thearrangement of the content copy control apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing still another example of thearrangement of the content copy control apparatus; and

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a picture recordinformation table 401 b.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiment 1

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below withreference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an exampleof an arrangement of a content copy control apparatus according to thepresent invention. In the present embodiment, a user can carry picturerecord data (digital content) recorded in a removable medium to beconverted into a format for a playback terminal. Further, in the presentembodiment, original picture record data stored in a recording devicecan be retained with the quality thereof kept unchanged.

As shown in FIG. 1, the content copy control apparatus includes arecording device 101, such as a DVD recorder or a hard disk recorder,and a playback terminal 103, such as a portable player or a cellularphone. The recording device 101 includes a picture record data controldevice 101 a, a picture record information table 101 b, a picture recorddata memory device 101 c, a format conversion device 101 d, and aremovable medium device 101 e. Further, the playback terminal 103includes a removable medium device 103 a, a stream playback device 103b, and a stream control device 103 c.

Specifically, the picture record data control device 101 a isimplemented by a CPU of the recording device 101, which operatesaccording to a program. The picture record data control device 101 a hasa function of managing recorded data stored in the picture record datamemory device 101 c by the use of the picture record information table101 b.

The picture record data control device 101 a has a function ofcommanding the format conversion device 101 d to output picture recorddata stored in the picture record data memory device 101 c to aremovable medium 102 and recording the outputted picture record data inthe picture record information table 101 b. Further, the picture recorddata control device 10 a also has a function of confirming picturerecord data stored in the removable medium 102 and reflectinginformation of picture record data deleted from the removable medium102, upon the picture record information table 101 b. Furthermore, thepicture record data control device 101 a may have a function ofcommanding the removable medium device 101 e to delete data from theremovable medium 102.

The picture record information table (content information table) 101 bis a table including list information of picture record data stored inthe picture record data memory device 101 c. In the present embodiment,the picture record information table 101 b is used to manage the picturerecord data stored in the picture record data memory device 101 c basedon commands from the picture record data control device 101 a.Specifically, the picture record information table 101 b is stored in amemory device (not shown) of the recording device 101.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the picturerecord information table 101 b. As shown in FIG. 2, the picture recordinformation table 101 b includes a recording time 22, copy controlinformation 23, an output status 24 of picture record data (hereinafterreferred to as output status information), and a destination medium ID25, all of which are made to correspond to each picture record data name21 (“AAA” to “DDD”).

In FIG. 2, the picture record data name 21 is a data name of each ofpicture record data stored in the picture record data memory device 101c. The recording time 22 is a recording time of each of picture recorddata. The copy control information 23 is copy control information(signal) added to picture record data. In the present embodiment, thepicture record information table 101 b includes “copy one generation” or“copy free” as the copy control information 23.

The output status information 24 is information showing whether thepicture record data have been outputted to an external removable medium.For example, when picture record data have been outputted to an externalremovable medium, the picture record information table 101 b includes“outputted to a removable medium” as the output status information 24corresponding to the outputted picture record data. The medium ID 25 isan ID of a removable medium to which picture record data have beenoutputted. For example, when picture record data have been outputted toan external removable medium, the picture record information table 101 bincludes an ID “1234567890” as the medium ID 25 corresponding to theoutputted picture record data.

If a removable medium with an ID is used, the ID of the removable mediumcan be used as the destination medium ID 25. Further, if a removablemedium without an ID is used, a unique ID may be generated for themedium and written into the removable medium when the recording device101 writes picture record data into the removable medium.

In FIG. 2, among picture record data having copy control information 23that includes “copy one generation,” both blank spaces in the outputstatus information 24 and the medium ID 25 show that no picture recorddata is outputted to an external removable medium. For example, in theexample shown in FIG. 2, the picture record data having picture recorddata names 21 of “AAA” and “DDD” show that the picture record data havebeen outputted to an external removable medium, and the picture recorddata having a picture record data name 21 of “CCC” show that the picturerecord data have not been outputted to an external removable medium.

Specifically, the picture record data memory device 101 c is implementedby a hard disk device, a DVD-RAM, a memory, and the like. The picturerecord data memory device 101 c has a function of storing digitalcontent in digital television broadcasting and Internet broadcasting.The picture record data memory device 101 c may store not only picturerecord data in digital television broadcasting and Internetbroadcasting, but also content in cable television broadcasting anddigital radio broadcasting. The picture record data memory device 101 cmay store a video stream purchased by a user. Further, the picturerecord data memory device 101 c may store content of digitally encodedanalog broadcasting and may store any other content as long as thecontent includes copy control information.

Specifically, the format conversion device 101 d is implemented by achip having a format conversion function, or by a CPU of the recordingdevice 101, which operates according to software. The format conversiondevice 101 d has a function of converting picture record data stored inthe picture record data memory device 101 c into a format that can beplayed back in the playback terminal 103 in accordance with a commandfrom the picture record data control device 101 a. Further, the formatconversion device 101 d also has a function of outputting the picturerecord data converted in format to the removable medium device 101 e.For example, the format conversion device 101 d converts data stored inthe picture record data memory device 101 c into a format for removablemedia. For example, the format conversion device 101 d converts picturerecord data into SD-Video, DVD-Video, an MP3 format, or a format used inWMT.

Specifically, the removable medium device 101 e is implemented by avariety of existing recording medium readers. For example, the removablemedium device 101 e is implemented by readers for recording media, suchas SD memory card, Memory Stick, CompactFlash®, and SmartMedia, CD-RWdrives, DVD-RAM drives, DVD-RW drives, DVD+RW drives, and the like.

The removable medium device 101 e has a function of writing picturerecord data converted in format, which are inputted from the formatconversion device 101 d, into the removable medium 102. Further, theremovable medium device 101 e also has a function of reading picturerecord data stored in a newly inserted removable medium 102. Further,the removable medium device 101 e may have a function of deletingpicture record data stored in an inserted removable medium 102 when thepicture record data control device 101 a commands the removable mediumdevice 101 e to delete the picture record data.

Specifically, the removable medium 102 is implemented by a variety ofexisting recording media. For example, the removable medium 102 isimplemented by SD memory card, Memory Stick, CompactFlash®, SmartMedia,CD-RW, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and the like. In the present embodiment,the removable medium 102 is used for a user to carry picture record datastored in the recording device 101 and play back the picture record datawith the playback terminal 103.

Likewise, the removable medium device 103 a is implemented by a varietyof existing recording medium readers. For example, the removable mediumdevice 103 a is implemented by readers for recording media such as SDmemory card, Memory Stick, CompactFlash®, and SmartMedia, CD-RW drives,DVD-RAM drives, DVD-RW drives, DVD+RW drives, and the like.

The removable medium device 103 a has a function of reading picturerecord data stored in the removable medium 102 and outputting thepicture record data to the stream playback device 103 b in accordancewith a command from the stream control device 103 c. Further, theremovable medium device 103 a may have a function of deleting picturerecord data stored in the removable medium 102.

The illustrated stream playback device 103 b may be also implemented bya variety of existing digital content playback devices. For example, thestream playback device 103 b is implemented by DVD-Video playbackdevices r SD-Video playback devices. The stream playback device 103 bhas a function of playing back picture record data delivered from theremovable medium device 103 a. The stream playback device 103 b may havea speaker or a monitor for outputting decoded digital data.

Specifically, the stream control device 103 c is implemented by a CPU ofthe playback terminal 103, which operates according to a program. Thestream control device 103 c has a function of commanding the streamplayback device 103 b to play back or output picture record data storedin the removable medium 102. Further, the stream control device 103 cmay have a function of commanding the removable medium device 103 a todelete picture record data stored in the inserted removable medium 102.

In the present embodiment, a content memory means is implemented by thepicture record data memory device 101 c. A table memory means isimplemented by the memory device of the recording device 101 for storingthe picture record information table 101 b. A content operationprohibition means and a picture record data prohibition means areimplemented by the picture record data control device 101 a. A picturerecord data writing means is implemented by the removable medium device101 e. A format conversion means is implemented by the format conversiondevice 101 d. A picture record data reading means is implemented by theremovable medium device 103 a. A playback/deletion command means isimplemented by the stream control device 103 c. A payback means isimplemented by the stream playback device 103 b.

Next, operation will be described. In the present embodiment, whenpicture record data is outputted to an external medium, the picturerecord data control device 101 a updates information in the picturerecord information table 101 b that corresponds to the outputted picturerecord data into an outputted status. Further, when picture record datais deleted or has already been deleted from an external medium, thepicture record data control device 101 a updates information in thepicture record information table 101 b that corresponds to the deletedpicture record data into a non-outputted status.

Further, when a user inputs a command to output, playback, edit, or movepicture record data (hereinafter also referred to simply as operation),the picture record data control device 101 a performs the followingoperation according to a software program. Specifically, the picturerecord data control device 101 a determines whether the picture recorddata on which the operation is commanded has already been outputted toan external medium based on the picture record information table 101 b.If it is determined that the picture record data has already beenoutputted, the picture record data control device 101 a controls therecording device so as not to perform the operation commanded by theuser. Further, if it is determined that the picture record data has notbeen outputted, the picture record data control device 101 a controlsthe recording device so as to perform the operation commanded by theuser.

In the present embodiment, the expression “to prohibit operation topicture record data” is used to comprehensively express those processesof the picture record data control device 101 a, which are not performedand which include a process of updating the picture record informationtable 101 b when picture record data is being outputted and a process ofcontrolling the recording device so as not to perform the commandedoperation when it is determined that the picture record data has beenexternally outputted. Further, the expression “to permit operation topicture record data” is used to comprehensively express those processesof the picture record data control device 101 a, which include a processof updating the picture record information table 101 b with regard todeleted picture record data and a process of controlling the recordingdevice so as to perform the commanded operation when it is determinedthat the picture record data have not been externally outputted.

Operation of the content copy control apparatus will be described insome cases. First, operation to output picture record data to theremovable medium 102 will be described below. FIG. 3 is a flow chartshowing an example of an output control process, which is performed bythe picture record data control device 101 a when picture record dataare to be outputted to the removable medium 102, and this output controlprocess is performed according to a program. For example, when a usercommands the picture record data control device 101 a to output picturerecord data to which copy control information of “copy one generation”has been added, the picture record data control device 101 a performs acontrol process to output the picture record data to the removablemedium 102. On the other hand, when the picture record data controldevice 101 a is commanded to output picture record data to which copycontrol information of “copy free” has been added, the picture recorddata control device 101 a commands the format conversion device 101 d toperform a format conversion on the picture record data specified by theuser and output the picture record data without performing the outputcontrol process shown in FIG. 3.

The picture record data control device 011 a determines whether thepicture record data specified by the user is permitted to be outputtedto the removable medium 102. If there are no problems, the picturerecord data control device 101 a commands the format conversion device101 d to convert and output the picture record data. In the presentembodiment, the picture record data control device 101 a determineswhether the specified picture record data currently has an externallyoutputted status based on the picture record information table 101 b(Step S11). If it is determined that the specified picture record datahas been externally outputted, then the picture record data controldevice 101 a prohibits any operation on the specified picture recorddata (Step S12), and the process is terminated.

If it is determined that the specified picture record data has not beenoutputted, then the picture record data control device 011 a determineswhether the specified picture record data is being operated (Step S13).For example, the picture record data control device 101 a determineswhether the picture record data is being played back, edited, or moved.If it is determined that the picture record data is being operated, thenthe picture record data control device 101 a does not output thespecified picture record data externally (Step S14), a d the process isterminated.

If it is determined that the picture record data is not being operated,then the picture record data control device 101 a changes the outputstatus information 24 in the picture record information table 101 b thatcorresponds to the specified picture record data, into “outputted to aremovable medium.” Further, the picture record data control device 101 areads a unique ID of the destination removable medium 102 via theremovable medium device 101 e and records the unique ID as a medium ID25 in the picture record information table 101 b (Step S15). Then, thepicture record data control device 101 a commands the format conversiondevice 101 d to perform a format conversion on the picture record dataand outputs the converted picture record data to the removable mediumdevice 101 e (Step S16).

The format conversion device 101 d performs a format conversion on thespecified picture record data, of picture record data stored in thepicture record data memory device 101 c, and outputs the convertedpicture record data to the removable medium device 101 e. Then, theremovable medium device 101 e writes the picture record data convertedin format into the inserted removable medium 102.

Next, operation in a case where a removable medium 102 is newly insertedinto the removable medium device 101 e will be described below. FIG. 4is a flow chart showing an example of a control process, which isperformed by the picture record data control device 101 a when aremovable medium 102 is newly inserted into the removable medium device101 e. For example, the picture record data control device 101 aperforms a control process when a removable medium 102 is newly insertedinto the removable medium device 101 e by a user.

The picture record data control device 101 a extracts an ID of the newlyinserted removable medium 102 via the removable medium device 101 anddetermines whether the ID of the removable medium 102 matches any of themedium IDs 25 in the picture record information table 101 b (Step S21).Specifically, the picture record data control device 101 a confirms anID of the newly inserted removable medium 102 and determines whether thepicture record information table 101 b contains information of picturerecord data having been outputted to the removable medium 102. If it isdetermined that there is no information of the picture record datahaving the matched ID, then the picture record data control device 101 aterminates the process.

If it is determined that there is information of the picture record datahaving the matched ID, then the picture record data control device 101 adetermines whether a whole of the picture record data having the matchedID exists in the removable medium 102 (Step S22). If it is determinedthat a whole of the picture record data exists in the removable medium102, then the picture record data control device 101 a terminates theprocess.

If it is determined that some of the picture record data do not exit(i.e., some of the picture record data have been deleted from theremovable medium 102), the picture record data control device 101 aupdates the output status information 24 and the medium ID 25 in thepicture record information table 101 b that correspond to the deletedpicture record data into empty values or states (Step S23).Specifically, the picture record data control device 101 a updates thepicture record information table 101 b so as to permit operation to theoriginal picture record data stored in the picture record data memorydevice 101 c.

Next, operation to delete picture record data stored in the removablemedium 102 inserted in the recording device 101 will be described below.FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of a deletion control process,which is performed by the picture record data control device 101 a whenpicture record data stored in the removable medium 102 are to bedeleted. The picture record data control device 101 a performs adeletion control process of picture record data when a user commandsdeletion of the picture record data.

The picture record data control device 101 a commands the removablemedium device 101 e to delete the picture record data specified by theuser (Step S31). Then, the removable medium device 101 e deletes thespecified picture record data from the removable medium 102. Further,the picture record data control device 101 a determines whetherinformation of the deleted picture record data is held by the picturerecord information table 101 b. Specifically, the picture record datacontrol device 101 a determines whether the data name of the deletedpicture record data matches the picture record data name 21 and whetherthe picture record information table 101 b contains the information ofpicture record data having a medium ID 25 that matches the ID of theremovable medium 102 (Step S32). If it is determined that the picturerecord information table 101 b does not contain the information of thepicture record data having the matched picture record data name 21 andmedium ID 25, then the picture record data control device 101 aterminates the process.

If it is determined that the picture record information table 101 bcontains the information of the picture record data having the matchedpicture record data name 21 and medium ID 25, then the picture recorddata control device 101 a updates the output status information 24 andthe medium ID 25 in the picture record information table 101 b thatcorrespond to the picture record data having the matched picture recorddata name 21 and medium ID 25 into empty values (Step S33).Specifically, the picture record data control device 101 a updates thepicture record information table 101 b so as to permit operation to theoriginal picture record data stored in the picture record data memorydevice 101 c.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when picturerecord data to which a copy control signal of “copy one generation” isadded is outputted from the recording device 101 to the removable medium102, the format conversion device 101 d performs a format conversion onthe picture record data stored in the picture record data memory device101 c. Then, the removable medium device 101 e writes the picture recorddata converted in format into the removable medium 102. Further, thepicture record data control device 101 a records information in thepicture record information table 101 b that corresponds to the outputtedpicture record data and is written into a state of “being outputted”. Asa result, all of operations are prohibited which include operations ofplaying back, moving, and copying the original picture record data inthe recording device 101.

Accordingly, high-quality picture record data (digital content) to whicha copy control signal of “copy one generation” is added can be carriedwith a portable terminal. The original picture record data in therecording device an be retained with the quality thereof kept unchanged.Specifically, according to the present embodiment, the original picturerecord data in the recording device 101 is outputted to the removablemedium 102 but is stored in the recording device 101 with any operationprohibited. Then, the original picture record data is permitted to beoperated after deletion of the picture record data in the removablemedium 102. Thus, the picture record data can be converted into a formatfor portable devices and carried without degrading the quality of thepicture record data.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the playback terminal 103reads the picture record data from the removable medium 102 by the useof the removable medium device 103 a and plays back the picture recorddata by the use of the stream playback device 103 b. Furthermore, whenthe removable medium 102 is inserted into the removable medium device101 e of the recording device after the stream control device 103 c hasdeleted the picture record data in the removable medium 102 according toa user's command input, the picture record data control device 101 aautomatically detects the deleted picture record data. Then, the picturerecord data control device 101 a updates output information in thepicture record information table 101 b that corresponds to the deleteddata so as to permit operation such as playing back or moving thepicture record data.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when the picture recorddata in the removable medium 102 is deleted by using the removablemedium device 101 e of the recording device 101 according to a user'scommand input, the picture record data control device 101 aautomatically updates the output status information 24 (outputinformation) in the picture record information table 101 b. When thepicture record data control device 101 a automatically updates thecorresponding output information, operation on the original picturerecord data is permitted again.

Embodiment 2

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be describedbelow with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, as withthe first embodiment, picture record data is converted into a format fora playback terminal so that the picture record data can be carried witha removable medium. Original picture record data in a recording devicecan be retained while the quality thereof is maintained. Further, inaddition to the effects obtained in the first embodiment, the presentembodiment has an advantage in that content copy control can further besimplified by addition of a deletion means of picture record data.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another example of the arrangement ofthe content copy control apparatus. As shown in FIG. 6, the presentembodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a recording device201 includes a timer device 201 f in addition to the arrangement of therecording device 101 shown in FIG. 1. Further, the present embodimentdiffers from the first embodiment in that a picture record data controldevice 201 a and a stream control device 203 c have functions differentfrom those of the picture record data control device 101 a and thestream control device 103 c. In the present embodiment, components otherthan the picture record data control device 201 a and the stream controldevice 203 c have the same functions as those in the first embodiment.

The timer device 201 f has a function of notifying the picture recorddata control device 201 a that a predetermined period of time haselapsed when the predetermined period of time has elapsed since picturerecord data were outputted to the removable medium 102. In the presentembodiment, the timer device 201 f commands the picture record datacontrol device 201 a to restore output status information 24 and amedium ID 25 that correspond to the picture record data outputted to theremovable medium 102 into empty value (i.e., non-outputted status) bynotification that a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

The picture record data control device (deletion time set means) 201 ahas a function of adding information indicating when picture record datashould automatically be deleted to the picture record data when thepicture record data are outputted to the removable medium 102. Further,the picture record data control device 201 a also has a function ofsetting the timer device 201 f so that the timer device 201 f operatesafter a predetermined period of time from an output time of the picturerecord data.

For example, the picture record data control device 201 a write a fileincluding an expected deletion time into the removable medium 102 inaddition to the picture record data. Such time instant informationserves to indicate a time instant of automatically deleting the picturerecord data. Further, for example, the picture record data controldevice 201 a adds time instant information to a writable area in a userarea included in the picture record data after the format conversion.Thus, time instant information can be added to indicate time at whichthe picture record data should automatically be deleted.

The stream control device 203 c has a function of detecting added timeinstant information in a case where time instant information at whichthe picture record data should be automatically deleted is added to thepicture record data stored in the removable medium 102 inserted in theremovable medium device 103 a. Further, the stream control device 203 calso has a function of deleting picture record data from the removablemedium 102 when the detected time information is older than the currenttime.

Next, operation will be described below. For example, when user commandsthe picture record data control device 201 a to output picture recorddata to which copy control information of “copy one generation” has beenadded, the picture record data control device 201 a starts a controlprocess to output the picture record data to the removable medium 102.The picture record data control device 201 a sets the timer device 201 fso that the timer device 201 f starts to operate after a predeterminedperiod of time when the picture record data stored in the picture recorddata memory device 101 c are outputted to the removable medium 102.Further, the picture record data control device 201 a writes the starttime set for the timer device 201 f as an automatic deletion time of thepicture record data, into the removable medium 102.

The timer device 201 f starts to operate after the predetermined periodof time has elapsed, and commands the picture record data control device201 a to update the output status information 24 and the medium ID 25 ofthe picture record data outputted to the removable medium 102 (or tochange them into a non-outpufted status). Then, the picture record datacontrol device 201 a updates both the output status information 24 andthe medium ID 25 in the picture record information table 101 b intoempty states, that correspond to the picture record data on which updateis commanded. Namely, the picture record data control device 201 arestores the picture record data on which update is commanded into anon-outputted status.

In a case where an automatic deletion time is set for the picture recorddata stored in the removable medium 102 inserted in the removable mediumdevice 103 a, the stream control device 203 c deletes the picture recorddata to be deleted from the removable medium 102 at the automaticdeletion time. Further, if the stream control device 203 c determinesthat the automatic deletion time has already passed, the stream controldevice 203 c deletes the picture record data to be deleted from theremovable medium 102.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the timerdevice 201 f is provided for indicating the automatic deletion time ofthe picture record data to the recording device, and an additionaloperation means is provided for deleting the picture record data in theremovable medium 102. According to the present embodiment, after apredetermined period of time has elapsed from the time at which thepicture record data was written into the removable medium 102, thestream control device 203 c in the playback terminal 203 automaticallydeletes the picture record data in the removable medium 102 without auser's command input to delete the picture record data from theremovable medium 102.

Further, at the same time when the picture record data are deleted bythe stream control device 203 c, the timer device 201 f of the recordingdevice 201 commands the picture record data control device 201 a toupdate the output status information 24 in the picture recordinformation table 101 b. Then, the picture record data control device201 a updates the output status information 24 so as to permit operationof the original picture record data. Accordingly, deletion of thepicture record data from the removable medium 102 after the output ofthe picture record data can be automated, so that an input operation ofa user n be simplified.

Embodiment 3

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be describedbelow with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, as withthe first embodiment, picture record data is converted into a format fora playback terminal so that the picture record data can be carried witha removable medium. Original picture record data in a recording devicecan be retained while the quality thereof is maintained. Further, inaddition to the effects obtained in the first embodiment, the presentembodiment has an advantage in that a content copy control can furtherbe simplified by addition of a notification means of deletion operationof picture record data.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing still another example of thearrangement of the content copy control apparatus. As shown in FIG. 7,the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that acommunication device 301 f and a communication device 303 d are includedin addition to the arrangement of the recording device 101 shown inFIG. 1. Further, the present embodiment differs from the firstembodiment in that a picture record data control device 301 a and astream control device 303 c have functions different from those of thepicture record data control device 101 a and the stream control device103 c. In the present embodiment, components other than the picturerecord data control device 301 a and the stream control device 303 chave the same functions as those in the first embodiment.

For example, the communication device 301 f is implemented by a cellularphone or a PHS connected to a recording device 301. Further, forexample, the communication device 301 f is implemented by variouscommunication means such as an interface part having a fixed telephonenetwork connection function, an IP telephone function, a wireless LANconnection function, or an infrared communication function.

The communication device 301 f has a function of extracting (receiving)information indicative of the fact that picture record data has beendeleted from the removable medium 102 inserted in a playback terminal303 (hereinafter referred to as deletion notification information) fromthe communication device 303 d. Further, the communication device 301 falso has a function of transmitting (outputting) the received deletionnotification information to the picture record data control device 301a. Furthermore, the communication device 301 f also has a function ofsending a deletion command of picture record data, which is inputtedfrom the picture record data control device 301 a, to the communicationdevice 303 d of the playback terminal 303 when the original picturerecord data, which has been externally outputted, are to be operated inthe recording device 301.

The picture record data control device 301 a has a function of updatingthe output status information 24 in the picture record information table101 b that corresponds to the deleted picture record data (or restoringit into a non-outputted status) based on the deletion notificationinformation received from the communication device 301 f. Further, whena user commands, by the use of the recording device 301, operation ofthe picture record data having an externally outputted status, thepicture record data control device 301 a also has a function ofoutputting information for commanding the playback terminal 303 in whicha destination removable medium 102 has been inserted. Such informationis indicative of deleting the picture record data and may be hereinafterreferred to as deletion command information. At any rate, the deletioncommand information is transmitted from the picture record data controldevice 301 a to the communication device 301 f.

The stream control device 303 c has a function of outputting a ID of theremovable medium 102 and a content name of the deleted data to thecommunication device 303 d when the picture record data are deleted fromthe removable medium 102 inserted in the playback terminal 303. Further,the stream control device 303 c also has a function of deleting thepicture record data to be deleted from the removable medium 102 when thedeletion command information is received from the communication device303 d.

For example, the communication device 303 d is implemented by a cellularphone or a PHS connected to a playback terminal 303 as a portableplayer. Further, for example, the communication device 303 d isimplemented by various communication means such as an interface parthaving a fixed telephone network connection function, an IP telephonefunction, a wireless LAN connection function, or an infraredcommunication function.

The communication device (deletion notification sending means 303 d hasa function of notifying (sending) the deletion notification informationto the communication device 301 f when the stream control device 303 cdeletes the picture record data from the removable medium 102 insertedin the removable medium device 103 a. In this case, the communicationdevice 303 d sends the deletion notification information including an IDof the removable medium 102 and a content name of the deleted data.Further, the communication device 303 d also has a function of notifying(outputting) the received deletion command information to the streamcontrol device 303 c when the deletion command information is receivedfrom the communication device 301 f.

Next, operation Will be described below. First, description will be madeabout operation performed in a case where picture record data is deletedfrom the removable medium 102 in the playback terminal 303. For example,when a user commands deletion of picture record data, the stream controldevice 303 c deletes the picture record data from the removable medium1020. When the picture record data is deleted from the removable medium102 inserted in the playback terminal 303, the stream control device 303c outputs an ID of the removable medium 102 and a name (content name) ofthe deleted picture record data to the communication device 303 d. Then,the communication device 303 d sends deletion notification informationincluding the ID of the removable medium 102 and the name of the deletedpicture record data to the communication device 301 f of the recordingdevice 301.

The communication device 301 f outputs the received deletionnotification information to the picture record data control device 301a. The picture record data control device 301 a performs retrieval ofthe picture record information table 101 b based on the deletionnotification information and updates the output status information 24and the medium ID 25 that correspond to the picture record data notifiedof deletion into empty values. Specifically, the picture record datacontrol device 301 a changes the output status information 24 and themedium ID 25 into a non-outputted status so as to restore a state inwhich operation of the original picture record data is permitted in therecording device 301.

Next, description will be made about operation performed in a case wheredeletion of picture record data is commanded in the recording device301. For example, when a user inputs an operation command of picturerecord data outputted to the removable medium 102 while original datathereof is retained in the recording device 301, the picture record datacontrol device 301 a starts a deletion command process of the outputtedpicture record data. The picture record data control device 301 acommands the communication device 301 f to send deletion commandinformation to the communication device 303 d the playback terminal 303in which the removable medium 102 is inserted. Then, the communicationdevice 301 f sends the deletion command information to the communicationdevice 303 d.

The communication device 303 d outputs the received deletion commandinformation to the stream control device 303 c. The stream controldevice 303 c commands the removable medium device 103 a to delete thepicture record data on which deletion is commanded based on the deletioncommand information. Further, the picture record data control device 301a of the recording device 301 updates the output status information 24and the medium ID 25 in the picture record information table 101 b thatcorrespond to the picture record data requested to be deleted into emptystates. Specifically, the picture record data control device 301 achanges the output status information 24 and the medium ID 25 into anon-outputted status so as to restore a state in which operation of theoriginal picture record data is permitted in the recording device 301.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, thecommunication device 303 d is provided for notifying the recordingdevice 301 of deletion operation of picture record data, and anotification means of deletion operation of picture record data in theplayback terminal 303 is provided. According to the present embodiment,even if the removable medium 102 is not inserted in the recording device301, it is possible to grasp a deletion state in the removable medium102 by communication with the playback terminal 303 and to controlpermission of operation of the original picture record data.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when operation of theoriginal picture record data becomes necessary in the recording device301, the picture record data in the removable medium 102 inserted in theportable terminal (playback terminal 303) can be deleted with use of thecommunication d vices 301 f and 303 d. Thus, operation of the originalpicture record data is permitted in the recording device 301 by remotecontrol using the communication devices 301 f and 303 d. Accordingly, itis possible to notify a deletion operation of picture record datawritten into the removable medium 102 and a playback request of originalpicture record data with use of the communication means, so that aninput operation of a user can be simplified.

Embodiment 4

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be describedbelow with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, arecording device 401 and a playback terminal 403 has input/outputterminals for inputting and outputting digital streams instead of theremovable medium devices 101 e and 103 a, so that it is possible toobtain similar effects to the effects in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing still another example of thearrangement of the content copy control apparatus. As shown in FIG. 8,the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that therecording device 401 includes a picture record data output part 401 einstead of the removable medium device 101 e shown in FIG. 1. Further,the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that theplayback terminal 403 includes a stream input part 403 a instead of theremovable medium device 103 a shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the presentembodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the playbackterminal 403 includes a stream memory device 403 d in addition to thearrangement of the playback terminal 103 shown in FIG. 1.

Further, the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment inthat a picture record data control device 401 a and a stream controldevice 403 c have functions different from those of the picture recorddata control device 101 a and the stream control device 103 c.Furthermore, the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment inthat a picture record information table 401 b has contents differentfrom those of the picture record information table 101 b. In the presentembodiment, components other than the picture record data control device401 a and the stream control device 403 c have the same functions asthose in the first embodiment.

The picture record data control device 401 a has a function ofcommanding the format conversion device 101 d to output picture recorddata stored in the picture record data memory device 101 c to theplayback terminal 403 and recording the outputted picture record data inthe picture record information table 401 b. Further, the picture recorddata control device 401 also has a function of confirming picture recorddata stored in the stream memory device 403 d of the playback terminal403 connected to the recording device 401 and reflecting information ofpicture record data deleted from the stream memory device 403 d upon thepicture record information table 401 b. Furthermore, the picture recorddata control device 401 a may have a function of commanding deletion ofpicture record data from the stream memory device 403 d of the playbackterminal 403 connected to the recording device 401.

The picture record information table 401 b is a table including listinformation of picture record data stored in the picture record datamemory device 101 c. In the present embodiment, the picture recordinformation table 411 b is used to manage the picture record data storedin the picture record data memory device 101 c based on commands fromthe picture record data control device 401 a.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the picturerecord information table 401 b. As shown in FIG. 9, the picture recordinformation table 401 b includes a recording time 92, copy controlinformation 93, an output status (output status information) 94 ofpicture record data, and a destination playback terminal ID 95, all ofwhich are made to correspond to each picture record data name 91 (“AAA”to “DDD”).

In FIG. 9, the picture record data name 91 is a data name of each ofpicture record data stored in the picture record data memory device 101c. The recording time 92 is a recording time of each of picture recorddata. The copy control information 93 is copy control information(signal) added to picture Record data.

The output status information 94 is information showing w ether picturerecord data has been outputted to an external playback terminal. Forexample, when picture record data has been outputted into an externalplayback terminal, the picture record information table 401 b includes“outputted to a playback termninal” as the output status information 94corresponding to the outputted picture record data. The playbackterminal ID 95 is an ID of a playback terminal to which picture recorddata has been outputted. For example, when picture record data has beenoutputted to an external playback terminal, the picture recordinformation table 401 b includes an ID “1234567890” as the playbackterminal ID 95 corresponding to the outputted picture record data.

A serial number of the playback terminal 403, an ID of a chip used inthe playback terminal 403, or a MAC address of a network device of theplayback terminal 403 may be used as the destination playback terminalID 95. Further, if a playback terminal 403 without an ID is used, aunique ID may be generated for the playback terminal 403 and writteninto a storage device (not shown) of the playback terminal 403 or thelike when picture record data are outputted to the playback terminal403.

In FIG. 9, of picture record data having copy control information 93 of“copy one generation,” information of picture record data having blankspaces of the output status information 94 and the playback terminal ID95 shows that the picture record data have not been outputted to anexternal playback terminal. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9,the picture record data having picture record data names 91 of “AAA” and“DDD” show that the picture record data has been outputted to anexternal playback terminal, and the picture record data having a picturerecord data name 91 of “CCC” shows that the picture record data has notbeen outputted to an external playback terminal.

For example, the picture record data output part 401 e is implemented byan input/output interface part of the recording device 401 in accordancewith an IEEE 1394 standard or a USB standard, a network interface partin accordance with an Ethernet® standard, or the like. Further, forexample, the picture record data output part 401 c is implemented byother various devices capable of transferring picture record data, suchas a network interface part connectable to a wireless LAN.

The picture record data output part 401 e has a function of outputtingpicture record data converted in format that is inputted from the formatconversion device 101 d to the stream input part 403 a of the playbackterminal 403. Further, the picture record data output part 401 e alsohas a function of reading picture record data stored in a stream memorydevice 403 d of a newly connected playback terminal 403. Furthermore,the picture record data output part 401 e may have a function ofcommanding the playback terminal 403 connected to the recording device401 to delete data when the picture record data control device 401 acommands deletion of picture record data in the playback terminal 403.

For example, the stream input part 403 a is implemented by aninput/output interface part of the playback terminal 403 in accordancewith an IEEE 1394 standard or a USB standard, a network interface partin accordance with an Ethernet® standard, or the like. Further, forexample, the stream input part 403 a is implemented by other variousdevices capable of transferring picture record data, such as a networkinterface part connectable to a wireless LAN.

The stream input part 403 a has a function of storing picture recorddata inputted from the picture record data output part 401 e into thestream memory device 403 d. Further, the stream input part 403 a mayhave a function of commanding the stream memory device 403 d to deletepicture record data when deletion command information to commanddeletion of picture record data in the stream memory device 403 d isinputted from the picture record data output part 401 e.

The stream control device 403 c has a function of commanding the streamplayback device 103 b to play back or output picture record data staredin the stream memory device 403 d. Further, the stream control device403 p also has a function of deleting picture record data stored in thestream memory device 403 d.

Specifically, the stream memory device 403 d is implemented by a harddisk device, a DVD-RAM, a memory, or the like. The stream memory device403 d has a function of storing picture record data converted in formatt at are inputted from the recording device 401. In the presentembodiment, since the playback terminal 403 has the stream memory device403 d, picture record data can be played back with the playback terminal403 even if the picture record data output part 401 e and the streaminput part 403 a are disconnected from each other.

In the present embodiment, a picture record data output means isimplemented by the picture record data output part 401 e. A picturerecord data input means is implemented by the stream input part 403 a. Apicture record data memory means is implemented by the stream memorydevice 403 d.

Next, operation will be described below. First, description will be madeabout operation carried out in a case where picture record data in therecording device 401 is outputted to the playback terminal 403. Forexample, when a user commands output of picture record data to whichcopy control information of “copy one generation” is added, the picturerecord data control device 401 a performs a control process to outputthe picture record data to the playback terminal 403. The picture recorddata control device 401 a determines whether the picture record data ispermitted to be outputted, based on the output status information 94 inthe picture record information table 401 b. If there are no problems,the picture record data control device 401 a commands the picture recorddata output part 401 e to output the picture record data that has beenconverted in format.

In the present embodiment, the picture record data control device 401 adetermines whether the picture record data specified by the user ispermitted to be outputted to the playback terminal 403 based on theoutput status information 94 in the picture record information table 401b. The method of determining whether or not the picture record data canbe outputted from the picture record data control device 401 a is thesame as the method of determining whether or not the picture record datacan be outputted from the picture record data control device 101 a ofthe first embodiment. Specifically, the picture record data controldevice 401 a determines that the picture record data is permitted to beoutputted if the output status information 94 is not “outputted to aplayback terminal.” Further, the picture record data control device 401a determines that the picture record data cannot be outputted if theoutput status information 94 is “outputted to a playback terminal,” andthe process is terminated.

If the picture record data control device 401 a determines that thepicture record data is permitted to be outputted, then the picturerecord data control device 401 a commands the picture record data outputpart 401 e to output the picture record data that has been converted informat by the format conversion device 101 d. Then, the picture recorddata output part 401 e outputs the picture record data converted informat to the stream input part 403 a of the playback terminal 403.Thereafter, the stream input part 403 a stores the picture record datainputted from the picture record data output part 401 e into the streammemory device 403 d.

Next, description will be made about operation carried out in a casewhere a playback terminal 403 is newly connected to the recording device401. For example, when a user newly connects a playback terminal 403 tothe recording device 401, the picture record data control device 401 aperforms a control process.

The picture record data control device 401 a confirms an ID of the newlyconnected playback terminal 403 and determines on the basis of thepicture record information table 401 b whether or not there is picturerecord data that has been outputted. Specifically, the picture recorddata control device 401 a extracts an ID from the playback terminal 403and determines whether there is picture record data having an ID thatmatches the extracted playback terminal ID 95.

The picture record data control device 401 a determines whether all ofthe picture record data having been outputted are stored in the streammemory device 403 d of the playback terminal 403. If some of theoutputted picture record data have been deleted from the playbackterminal 403, then the picture record data control device 401 a updatesthe output status information 94 and the playback terminal ID 95 in thepicture record information table 401 b that correspond to the deletedpicture record data into empty states. Specifically, the picture recorddata control device 401 a updates the picture record information table401 b so as to permit other operations such as a playback of theoriginal picture record data stored in the picture record data memorydevice 101 c.

Next, description will be made about operation of deleting picturerecord data stored in the stream memory device 403 d of the playbackterminal 403 connected to the recording device 401. For example, when auser commands deletion of picture record data, the picture record datacontrol device 401 a performs a deletion control process of the picturerecord data.

The picture record data control device 401 a commands the picture recorddata output part 401 e to delete the picture record data specified bythe user. Then, the picture record data output part 401 e notifies thestream input part 403 a of the deletion command of the picture recorddata. Specifically, the picture record data output part 401 e outputsthe deletion command information to the stream input part 403 a inaccordance with the command from the picture record data control device401 a. Responsive to the deletion command information, the stream inputpart 403 a deletes the picture record data on which deletion iscommanded from the stream memory device 403 d.

The picture record data control device 401 a determines whether thepicture record information table 401 b holds information of the picturerecord data deleted from the playback terminal 403. Specifically, thepicture record data control device 401 a determines whether the outputstatus information 941 in the picture record information table 401 bthat corresponds to the deleted picture record data is representative of“being outputted to a playback terminal.” If the picture record datacontrol device 401 a determines that the information of the picturerecord data deleted from the playback terminal 403 is held by thepicture record information table 401 b, the picture record data controldevice 401 a updates the output status information 94 and the playbackterminal ID 95 in the picture record information table 401 b thatcorrespond to the deleted picture record data into empty states.Specifically, the picture record data control device 401 a updates thepicture record information table 401 b so as to permit other operationssuch as a playback of the original picture record data stored in thepicture record data memory device 101 c.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the contentcopy control apparatus includes the recording device 401 having thepicture record data output part 401 e in accordance with an IEEE 1394standard or the like, instead of the removable medium device 101 e.Further, the content copy control apparatus includes the playbackterminal 403 having the stream input part 403 a in accordance with anIEEE 1394 standard or the like and the stream memory device 403 d forstoring picture record data received from the recording device 401.

Accordingly, by using the recording device 401 and the playback terminal403 having a stream input/output terminal and a hard disk device forstoring stream data and the playback terminal 403, original picturerecord data can be retained in the recording device 401 with the qualitykept unchanged and the same effects as in the first embodiment can beobtained without use of a removable medium.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

A content copy control apparatus according to the present invention isapplicable to purposes of copying digital content such as digitaltelevision broadcasting to which a copy control signal is added to aremovable medium. Particularly, content to which a copy control signalof “copy one generation” is added is converted in format so that thecontent can be carried with a portable terminal. Original content in arecording device can be retained while the quality thereof ismaintained.

1. A content copy control apparatus for copying content to a portableremovable medium, characterized by comprising: content memory means forstoring content; table memory means for recording a content informationtable in which the content stored by the content memory means isassociated with output status information indicating whether the contenthas been outputted to a removable medium; and content operationprohibition means for prohibiting operation to content outputted to theremovable medium, among the content stored by the content memory means,based on the content information table recorded by the table memorymeans.
 2. A content copy control apparatus for copying picture recorddata as content to a portable removable medium with a recording devicefor storing the picture record data and a playback terminal for playingback the picture record data, characterized in that: the recordingdevice includes: table memory means for recording a picture recordinformation table in which the picture record data stored in therecording device is associated with output status information indicatingwhether the picture record data has been outputted to a removablemedium; picture record data prohibition means for prohibiting operationto picture record data outputted to the removable medium, among thepicture record data stored in the recording device, based on the picturerecord information table stored by the table memory means; formatconversion means for converting the picture record data in format; andpicture record data writing means for writing the picture record dataconverted in format by the format conversion means into the removablemedium, and the playback terminal includes: picture record data readingmeans for reading the picture record data from the removable medium;playback/deletion command means for commanding playback or deletion ofthe picture record data stored in the removable medium; and playbackmeans for playing back or outputting the picture record data stored inthe removable medium in accordance with a command from theplayback/deletion command means.
 3. The content copy control apparatusas recited in claim 2, comprising deletion time set means for settingtime at which picture record data written into the removable medium areto be deleted, wherein the playback/deletion command means commandsdeletion of picture record data from the removable medium after apredetermined period of time has elapsed since the picture record datawere written into the removable medium, in accordance with the set timeset by the deletion time set means, wherein the picture record dataprohibition means updates the output status information in the picturerecord information table that corresponds to the deleted picture recorddata into information indicating that the picture record data has notbeen outputted, at the same time when the playback/deletion commandmeans deletes the picture record data, in accordance with the set timeset by the deletion time set means.
 4. The content copy controlapparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the playback terminal includesdeletion notification sending means for sending deletion notificationinformation indicating that the picture record data has been deletedfrom the removable medium to the recording device, wherein the picturerecord data prohibition means updates the output status information inthe picture record information table that corresponds to the deletedpicture record data into information indicating that the picture recorddata has not been outputted, based on the deletion notificationinformation received from the playback terminal.
 5. The content copycontrol apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the recording deviceincludes picture record data output means for outputting the picturerecord data converted in format by the format conversion means to theplayback terminal, wherein the playback terminal includes: picturerecord data input means for inputting the picture record data outputtedfrom the picture record data output means, and picture record datamemory means for storing the picture record data inputted by the picturerecord data input means, wherein the table memory means records apicture record information table in which the picture record data storedin the recording device is associated with output status informationindicating whether the picture record data has been outputted to theplayback terminal, wherein the picture record data prohibition meansprohibits operation to picture record data outputted to the playbackterminal, among the picture record data stored in the recording device,based on the picture record information table, wherein theplayback/deletion command means commands playback or deletion of thepicture record data stored in the picture record data memory means,wherein the playback means plays back or outputs the picture record datastored in the picture record data memory means in accordance with acommand from the playback/deletion command means.
 6. A content copycontrol method of copying content to a portable removable medium,characterized by comprising: a step of storing content; and a step ofprohibiting operation to content outputted to a removable medium, of thestored content, based on a content information table in which the storedcontent is associated with output status information indicating whetherthe content has been outputted to the removable medium.
 7. A contentcopy control method characterized by comprising: a step in which arecording device for storing picture record data as content prohibitsoperation to picture record data outputted to a portable removablemedium, among the picture record data stored in the recording device,based on a picture record information table in which the stored picturerecord data are associated with output status information indicatingwhether the picture record data has been outputted to the removablemedium; a step in which the recording device converts the picture recorddata in format; a step in which the recording device writes the picturerecord data converted in format into the removable medium; a step inwhich a playback terminal for playing back picture record data reads thepicture record data from the removable medium; a step in which theplayback terminal commands playback or deletion of the picture recorddata stored in the removable medium; and a step in which the playbackterminal plays back or outputs the picture record data stored in theremovable medium.
 8. The content copy control method as recited in claim7, comprising: a step of setting time at which picture record datawritten into the removable medium are to be deleted; a step in which theplayback terminal deletes the picture record data from the removablemedium after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since thepicture record data were written into removable medium, in accordancewith the set time; and a step of updating the output status informationin the picture record information table that corresponds to the deletedpicture record data into information indicating that the picture recorddata has not been outputted, at the same time when the picture recorddata are deleted, in accordance with the set time.
 9. The content copycontrol method as recited in claim 7, comprising: a step in which theplayback terminal sends deletion notification information indicatingthat the picture record data has been deleted from the removable mediumto the recording device; and a step in which the recording deviceupdates the output status information in the picture record informationtable that corresponds to the deleted picture record data intoinformation indicating that the picture record data has not beenoutputted, based on the deletion notification information received fromthe playback terminal.
 10. The content copy control method as recited inclaim 7, comprising: a step in which the recording device prohibitsoperation to picture record data outputted to the playback terminal,among the picture record data stored in the recording device, based on apicture record information table in which the picture record data storedin the recording device is associates with output status informationindicating whether the picture record data has been outputted to theplayback terminal; a step in which the recording device outputs thepicture record data converted in format to the playback terminal; a stepin which the playback terminal inputs the picture record data outputtedfrom the recording device; a step in which the playback terminal storesthe inputted picture record data; a step in which the playback terminalcommands playback or deletion of the stored picture record data; and astep in which the playback terminal plays back or outputs the storedpicture record data.
 11. A content copy control apparatus for copyingpicture record data as content, the content copy control apparatuscomprising a recording device for storing the picture record data and aplayback terminal for playing back the picture record data,characterized in that: the recording device includes: table memory meansfor recording a picture record information table in which the picturerecord data stored in the recording device is associated with outputstatus information indicating whether the picture record data has beenoutputted; picture record data prohibition means for prohibitingoperation to picture record data outputted to the playback terminal,among the picture record data stored in the recording device, based onthe picture record information, table stored by the table memory means;and the playback terminal includes: picture record data reading meansfor reading the picture record data from the recording device;playback/deletion command means for commanding playback or deletion ofthe picture record data stored in the playback terminal; and deletingmeans for deleting the picture record data from the playback terminal inresponse to a command representative of the deletion from theplayback/deletion command means.